Dubai-based Bulgarian couple are in the business of parties that end at 10pm

Dubai-based Bulgarian couple Stoyan Angelov and Johana Angelova are redefining nightlife with a concept as refreshing as their relationship.Please Leave by 10 is their brainchild—a party that starts at 6pm and wraps by 10pm, making it perfect for parents, professionals, and anyone who wants to dance without sacrificing sleep.

The idea was born out of real life. After the birth of their daughter Sophia, Johana realised that late-night parties no longer fit her lifestyle. “We used to go out a lot to parties, to travel, and suddenly it wasn’t that easy,” she recalls. “Being missing from home during the whole night and then getting less sleep not only because of the baby, but because of a party, isn’t the best.”

Johana teamed up with her long-time friend and creative powerhouse Hristiana Zabunova to bring this idea to life in Bulgaria. The response was electric—events began selling out a week in advance. Now, the couple is set to launch the Dubai edition, with Stoyan stepping in as a partner thanks to his strong ties to the region’s vibrant nightlife scene.

“We’re planning Please Leave by 10 parties in Dubai and London. Since we don’t know the market specifics abroad enough, we work with local partners for markets different from Bulgaria. For London, we will work with an experienced agency,” said Johana.

Stoyan, a serial entrepreneur, brings two decades of experience in tech, blockchain, and events. He traces his entrepreneurial spark back to his youth. “I’ve dreamed of having my own business since a very young age. One of the early influences in my life was my uncle, who runs a feta cheese production business. I was always inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and independence. Later on, I was fortunate to meet like-minded individuals when I was just 18, and together we launched my first business—an online venture focused on selling luxury products,” added 38-year-old Stoyan, who has a Bachelor’s in Industrial Management. For Johana, the transition from digital marketer to entrepreneur was powered by love and mentorship. “Stoyan’s dynamic startup life and enthusiasm is very contagious,” she says. “Tired of the corporate life and inspired and supported by him, I decided to quit my 9-to-5 job and pursue my first online business,” added Johana.

Stoyan and Johana’s journey together—both romantic and entrepreneurial—has been shaped by mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a deep belief in balance. “Talking to my husband every day about the struggles that I face, slowly but surely I manage to reshuffle my perception of myself and the importance of my projects,” says 32-year-old Johana, a professional with over 10 years in digital marketing, holding Bachelor’s in public relations and master’s in advertising, brand management and business design.

In Sofia, Bulgaria, Johana co-organises the Please Leave by 10 parties and also has a project called Selflove.bg, which is focused on the overall wellbeing of women and mums, giving them value through insightful events and digital content. Johana shares she first met Stoyan nearly a decade ago through a professional collaboration where he was organising an event, and her media outlet was a partner. Even then, she admired his strong work ethic and how seamlessly they worked together. Years later, fate brought them together again at a New Year’s party in Sofia, where sparks finally flew and their love story truly began.

Their decision to co-create the Dubai edition of Please Leave by 10 felt like a natural next step. With Stoyan’s deep knowledge of the city’s vibrant nightlife and their past success as collaborators, they felt confident about blending business with love—striking a balance between passion, purpose, and partnership.

Stoyan Angelov and Johana Angelova

Why UAE?

In late October 2024, Johana and Stoyan made the UAE their family home, bringing along their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter and their beloved poodle, Brownie. Drawn by the country’s dynamic business landscape and a desire to give their daughter a better education and healthier environment, the move felt both practical and heartfelt. Their decision was cemented after spending a memorable month in Dubai in 2023—a visit that opened their eyes to the city’s energy, lifestyle, and limitless possibilities. Now, they plan to spend most of the year in the UAE, nurturing both their family and their growing ventures.

The ambitious duo attribute their success to the UAE. Johana, said: “Although Dubai is huge and so dynamic, we find peace in our beautiful neighbourhood that has everything to make you feel good—futuristic playgrounds and one of the best nurseries in the world for our child, green spaces, modern gyms for physical activity and so much more. Here I’m able to focus more on the things that matter the most.

For Stoyan, what started as a short trip quickly turned into regular visits. “My journey with the UAE began five years ago, initially as a visitor attending a crypto conference in Dubai. I was deeply inspired by the country’s thriving entrepreneurial community, its forward-thinking vision, and a lifestyle that truly celebrates ambition, innovation, and growth. The UAE, and Dubai in particular, has become a powerful launchpad for me. It’s a place where I’ve met exceptional people from all over the world—many of whom have become collaborators and partners in business.

With Please Leave by 10 set to debut in Dubai soon, this couple’s shared vision is a glowing example of how love, family, and innovation can thrive together—even under disco lights. 

Business tips for young couples

• Be open. Set clear boundaries between personal and business interests. Have good communication.

• Be bold, take risks, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

• Treat every mistake as a priceless lesson.

• The journey won’t be perfect, but the growth that comes with it is truly rewarding.